Discount and Free Days
Shedd Aquarium is pleased to offer a variety of community access opportunities. To provide the best possible experience, advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets. Find the most up-to-date guidelines on our plan a visit page. Browse the full range of access opportunities below and get details on how to reserve!
Please be aware of ticket scams. Shedd will not accept tickets sold by non-authorized sellers. You should only purchase tickets directly from Shedd Aquarium or our approved Shedd Ticket Partners: CityPASS, Go City Chicago, and these select hotel partners.
Ticketing questions can be directed to Guest Relations by calling 312-939-2438 or emailing [email protected] before you buy.
Illinois Resident Free Days
Illinois residents enjoy FREE admission to Shedd Aquarium on select days throughout the year!
We offer several reservation options for Free Days. Online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order. Alternatively, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time (CT). We also provide free walk-up reservations; however, these are subject to availability and typically sell out quickly. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets.
Museums for All: EBT Cards
As a Museums for All partner, Shedd offers daily free and discounted admission to those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) by simply presenting their EBT card. This offer is available to all families receiving this benefit in any US State. Limit four tickets per order. One EBT card is required for every four Museums for All tickets. Click here to see eligibility and learn more.
Ticket Partners
Chicago CityPASS®
If you purchased a CityPASS®, go to the My CityPASS® App to reserve your visit date and time. Learn more about saving 50% off admission with Chicago CityPASS®.
Hotel Partners
If you purchased your tickets through your hotel, click the link below to select a visit date and time. You may also purchase additional guest tickets.
Go City Chicago
If you purchased your tickets through your hotel or Go City Chicago All-Inclusive Pass*, please validate your pass in person with a Shedd staff member at the box office.
*Please note, Go City Chicago Explorer Pass and Build Your Own Pass do not include Shedd Aquarium.
Educators
Thank you to our teachers! Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin can receive a complimentary Shedd ticket by reserving tickets online below. This offer is not valid during special events or admission to the 4-D Experience.
First Responders & Military
Chicago police officers and Chicago firefighters
Thank you to our first responders! Chicago police officers and firefighters receive free on-site general admission with proper ID. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D Experience.
Active-duty U.S. military personnel
Active-duty U.S. military personnel receive year-round free general admission with proper ID. 4-D Experience tickets can be added on site (subject to availability). However, note that dependents and family are not included in this offer except during the Blue Star Museums dates listed above.
Corporate members
As a supporter of Shedd, your employees will receive complimentary admission to the aquarium’s permanent exhibits, including Stingray Touch, and first-come, first-served tickets to the animal presentation. See the current corporate member details
Reciprocal Membership
AZA Reciprocal Membership Program
As a proud Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited organization, we're happy to extend 50% off full-price admission for up to 2 guests to our partner organizations enrolled in the AZA Reciprocal Membership Program. Learn more about eligibility.
Museums in the Park
Shedd is happy to provide reciprocal admission for Museums in the Park employees and volunteers and up to 2 guests. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets. Learn more about participation with Museums in the Park.
Questions? Call us at 312-939-2438 or email us at [email protected]. We appreciate your patience as we work to answer your call, we are currently experiencing a high call volume.
Museums for All is made possible by Ford Motor Company.
